INFORMATION

 
THE LYNCHBURG SYMPHONY 
YOUTH ORCHESTRA
and  
JUNIOR STRINGS

2008-09 SEASON

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INFORMATION FOR MUSICIANS AND FAMILIES

Welcome to a new year with the Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings (LSYO/JS). We are looking forward to an EIGHTH season. Enclosed you will find the rehearsal schedule, tuition information (2008-09 tuition is $240), and necessary forms for the coming year. 

 

History

In September 2001, a new and exciting opportunity for young musicians from the central Virginia region began. Sixty-seven students from eighteen different high schools and home-schooled students auditioned for placement in the newly formed Lynchburg Symphony Youth Orchestra and Junior Strings Ensemble. That number has grown to over ninety students. This devoted group of young musicians typically rehearses once a week from late September through May, performs two major concerts, and participates in various capacities during the school year. We are an allied organization of the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra.

The Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO)

Though the two are independent of each other, the LSYO/JS has a mutually supportive relationship with the LSO. The LSO players are wonderful mentors to our young musicians and collaborate with the LSYO for the annual Sounds of the Season concert. Please visit the LSO website at www.lynchburgsymphony.com.  

Leadership/Contact Information

The individuals below are responsible for all functions of the LSYO/JS:

 
Download entire Information Packet in MS Word  |  pdf

Fundraising

Tuition only pays for a small portion of the cost to operate the LSYO/JS; therefore, fundraising is a must. We have found, after thirty years of fundraising, that the following two initiatives are the least difficult and the most effective.

Ø      Advanced Levels of Giving. This fundraiser has been highly successful and we are hoping for even more participation this year. (See enclosed form.)  

Ø      The Ad Campaign also has the potential to raise significant funds. We are asking each student musician to sell ONE PAGE of ads. Feel free to copy the enclosed ad application form as needed. Payment is needed when the ad is submitted. (We are in need of a parent coordinator for this campaign).

Ø  Kroger Gift Card.  Purchasing a Kroger gift card through our organization allows the LSYO to receive a percentage of your Kroger spending back from Kroger.  Please see Marty Wright to purchase a card.

 

Auditions/Placements/Challenges

We want new members!  New member auditions and auditions to join the LSYO are 

September 13, 2008. Call 845-6675 for an audition time.

If you have submitted the name of potential new members, they will be contacted in September for an audition time. If you have suggestions for new members, please call 845-6675. Leave a message with your name; potential member’s name; instrument they play; and, their phone number. We currently have openings for: all strings, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone and percussion.

String Auditions for seating placement (ranking)

Scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th. Passages of your music will be selected to be performed for a panel of judges. All students will be auditioned.

Woodwind/Brass Challenges

Any woodwind or brass player who would like to challenge for a higher chair should submit the enclosed form by Tuesday, September 30th. Challenges will be held on October 7th.

Communications

Most communication to musicians will be in the form of notices handed out at rehearsals. Students must take responsibility to listen carefully in rehearsal and diligently pick up and read any materials distributed. E-mail will also be used as a means of communication with students and parents. Up to date email notifications are available by joining the LSYO AOL group list at http://groups.aol.com/lynsymyo. For more information, contact Mike Straw at Strawtrumpet@aol.com. You may also check the parent web page (www.lynchburgyouthorchestra.com/parents). In addition, a roster of all LSYO/JS members will be distributed to facilitate communication among members.

 Inclement Weather Policy

Cancellation of rehearsal due to snow or other inclement weather conditions will be broadcast on Channel 13 (WSET) or will be available on the LSYO answering machine at (434) 845-6675.

 Scholarships

Senior Scholarships

Each year the LSYO makes scholarship awards of up to $1,000 to one or more seniors. These awards are presented at the spring concert. Scholarship applications are open to any senior member of the LSYO who will be pursuing a major in a field of music. (Music minors may apply and will be considered if funds are available). Eligibility will be based on the student’s plans for pursuing a career in music, leadership role in LSYO and demonstrated musical proficiency. (Seniors: See enclosed application form.)

Need-based Scholarships (for LSYO/JS members)

Partial financial scholarships are available. Please see the manager for a financial statement form. The Levine Scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving student based upon financial need. Guidelines for awarding financial scholarships are similar to the free lunch guidelines of the Lynchburg City Schools.

Download entire Information Packet in MS Word  |  pdf

 

 

08/23/2008